Ampalaya is the Filipino term for Amargoso,  Balsam apple, Bitter melon, it is a kind of vegetable found in the Philippines with a bitter taste. Its fruit and young leaves are used to prepare many dishes. Ampalaya cooked with strips of beef, a dish called Ampalaya con Carne is one of the popular dishes made of Ampalaya. A salad made from Talbos ng Ampalaya, the young leaves of this vegetable can also be prepared.